Experimental investigation on the mechanical strength and thermal conductivity of extrudable foamed concrete and preliminary views on its potential application in 3D printed multilayer insulating panels

Abstract

This contribution is focused on the properties of a particular type of foamed concrete, the extrudable foamed concrete, which is characterized by the dimensional stability in the green state, that is the ability to maintain its shape in the fresh state (green strength). In particular, after an overview of both the compressive and the indirect tensile strength, the effect of density on thermal conductivity values is presented. Interestingly, the thermal conductivity of this particular kind of lightweight cementitious material is lower compared to both classical foamed concrete and aerated autoclaved concrete (AAC) at comparable density. Moreover, the remarkable inherent green strength makes this material potentially suitable for in situ 3D printing applications in co-extruded elements with both thermal insulation and structural purposes.